Restoring aged farm machinery is a time consuming task requiring skill, talent and financial commitment. Many people restore old tractors to pristine condition for profit, while others do it for fun. Whether for business or pleasure, there are some key things to take a mental note of where restoring of old tractors is concerned.
Assessing the condition
Firstly, a candid assessment of the state of the aged farm machinery is needed before anyone can embark on restoring the machines to new glory. The assessment should include ascertaining the machinery’s frame condition, the control panel condition, condition of the steering mechanism, and condition of the motor.
The axles system and the accompanying rims and tires must also be assessed. The process making a meticulous inspection of the aged tractor allows the owner to determine the possibility for restoration of the aged tractor and what is needed to accomplish the restoration.
On determining the needed resources for restoration, such as tractor replacement parts, the person doing the restoration should go ahead to gather what is needed for the restoration project.
The internet provides a great resource to provide location of authentic used parts for many tractor models and brand name tractors. Sourcing useful parts for say old John Deere tractors or Farmall tractors may require just looking through websites and message boards dedicated to restoring antique tractors and on a lucky day, needed machinery parts can be found at online auction sites.
Cleaning it
Go ahead and clean the various parts of your aged tractor as you wait for your purchased machinery parts to arrive. This can involve washing off the residual dirt from all the years of the tractor’s dormancy. You will also pick out rusted areas and can clear that using various available chemical agents. It may also be a great time to do some new sanding and painting on the tractor painted surfaces. Restored surfaces can be sealed especially on fenders and panels and any other previously painted surfaces.
It is also advisable to recondition the engine by breaking it apart in order to thoroughly clean up each engine compartment.
Restoring an old tractor
On receiving the ordered parts, it is advisable to work starting with the highly labor-intensive aspects of the aged tractor. Old un-usable components are removed and replaced with ordered replacements, which should be able to work once integrated into the tractor. From the initial assessment, it is assumed that you identified contemporary parts in line with the model and make of the aged tractor, that you placed an order for.
This is critical to ensure that the re-sale value of the aged tractor is profitable and that the tractor is able to adhere to new environmental laws and able to take advantage of new technologies that result in cost savings for running the tractor.
Restoring aged tractors does not occur over a few hours. It is a painstaking process, on most occasions starting with the initial assessment and going on to full restoration.
Scheduling the project well and paying attention to details ensures satisfaction after the job.
